X series docking/ultrabase

[gobruins]

From a long time T series user with no X series experience:

From what I can gather:
1) on the X3x, you can use either an X3 base or a mini-dock/port-replicator, but not both at the same time.
2) on the X4x, you can use an X4 base, period.

Is this correct?

If so, it sounds like there is no real good "grab the laptop and go" configuration possible for using the X as a desktop replacement (perhaps this is why it sounds like many people here have Xs as 2nd computers only used for travel).

If you only have an ultrabase and you take it with you away from the office to use the CD, when you get to your office, you have to connect the ext. monitor, mouse, printer & other misc. USBs to the ultrabase.

If you have a mini-dock/port-replicator with an X3x, you can leave this stuff connected to the dock and swap the dock for the X3 base when you get back to the office - but then you can't use the CD in the office without swapping back from the dock to the X3 base.

Two possible solutions that I see - 1) get 2 ultrabases, 1 stays on the desk connect to all the stuff, 1 goes with you - then you just have to plug in and move the ultrabay CD from one base to the other (added expense of the 2nd ultrabase); 2) forget the ultrabay CD and get a USB CD and use the X4 (for the X4x) or X3 or dock (for the X3x) as a port replicator (extra ultrabay CD if the X4x comes with the X4 base - need powered USB CD for X3x).

Any other ideas?

P.S. that absense of an audio out jack on either the X3 or X4 is another indication that they are not really intended as true port replicators (although what do you need the duplicate VGA, LPT, RJ11 and RJ45 ports for then?).

[basilio]

It seems to be complicated..

Frankly, I've been thinking about that kind of configuration..

If you need to carry CD or DVD-ROM, it may not be a good idea to carry ultrabase. Get USB CD. It would be much easier to carry it. Then, think about configuration..

Place mini-dock or replicator in your home and connect everything to it. You may get cheap external CD-ROM or RW (5.25") and leave it in your home. Then, you don't need to take your USB CD out from your bag.

However, I wonder if you really need mini-dock or replicator at your office. Maybe you can connect and disconnect it everyday. Usually when you go to school or work in the morning, 1 or 2 minutes is very important and mini-dock or replicator will be very helpful to go out quickly.

And you may connect and disconnect everything at your office..
Then you can save your money..

Or you can do it in the opposite way.. Place mini-dock or replicator so that you can go home quickly.

Otherwise, you need one more ultrabase or dock..


Another idea is that you can get cheap desktop in your home and set up network through wireless router. Maybe you need only one dock or ultrabase at your office.

If you have better idea, please let me know..

[mpcook]

From a long time T series user with no X series experience:

From what I can gather:
1) on the X3x, you can use either an X3 base or a mini-dock/port-replicator, but not both at the same time.
2) on the X4x, you can use an X4 base, period.

Is this correct?

If so, it sounds like there is no real good "grab the laptop and go"
<snip>

I have 3 port replicators for home office and 2 work offices and that works great, they are cheap on ebay. I have an X3 ultrabase for using the CD or floppy drives, which I use rarely. I never need the drive when I travel so it stays in a drawer at home.

When I traveled with previous TP's T21, 600X, I always left the CD drive at home anyway to save on weight.

[sktn77a]

If you want the functionality of the ultrabase and the port replicator, get the Dock II - it has all the ports you need (unlike the ultrabase) and also has the optical drive bay (unlike the port replicator). Of course, you don't have the luxury of an optical drive when you're travelling (the ultrabase make the whole think pretty chunky!)